The role of low glycemic index and load diets in medical nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes: an update.

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its microvascular and macrovascular complications necessitate an optimal approach to prevention and management. Medical nutrition therapy serves as the cornerstone of diabetes care, reducing reliance on diabetic medications for glycemic control and mitigating cardiovascular risk. The broadening field of research in the effect of low glycemic index (GI) and/or glycemic load (GL) diets on individuals with T2DM has yielded promising results in the existing literature. Adopting low-GI and GL dietary patterns contributes to minimizing fluctuations in blood glucose levels, thus presenting a good strategy for achieving enhanced glycemic control. Furthermore, the above dietary practices may offer a viable alternative and practical approach to weight management in individuals with T2DM. However, clinical practice guidelines for diabetes dietary management show inconsistency regarding the certainty of evidence supporting the implementation of low-GI/GL nutritional patterns. This review aims to thoroughly evaluate the available data on the effectiveness of low-GI and low-GL diets in managing glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Endocrine Immune-Related Adverse Events Are Independent Predictors of Survival in Patients with Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer (LC) is a serious health problem worldwide. Survival outcomes have improved over time due to the widespread use of novel therapeutic agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Endocrine immune-related adverse events (e-irAEs) are common in LC patients treated with ICIs. We performed a retrospective study of patients with LC who received treatment with ICIs at a tertiary referral center between January 2014 and October 2023. In total, 983 LC patients were included in the study. E-irAEs presented at a median time of 4.1 months and included hypothyroidism (15.6%), hyperthyroidism (4.3%), adrenal insufficiency (0.4%), hypophysitis (0.4%), and diabetes mellitus (0.2%). These toxicities were not related to the duration of treatment or the type of ICIs. Most (97.6%) e-irAEs were mild (grade 1-2). Median overall survival (OS) was higher in LC patients who experienced e-irAEs (31.6 months) compared to those who did not (10.8 months). The difference remained statistically significant in the 3-month (HR: 0.42) and 6-month landmark analysis (HR: 0.51). The OS advantage was observed in both patients with NSCLC (HR: 0.36) and SCLC (HR: 0.27). Additional research is needed to validate the role of e-irAEs as an independent predictor of survival outcomes in patients with LC.

Food Cravings and Obesity in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Considerations.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, constitutes a metabolic disorder frequently associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Furthermore, women with PCOS often suffer from excessive anxiety and depression, elicited by low self-esteem due to obesity, acne, and hirsutism. These mood disorders are commonly associated with food cravings and binge eating. Hypothalamic signaling regulates appetite and satiety, deteriorating excessive food consumption. However, the hypothalamic function is incapable of compensating for surplus food in women with PCOS, leading to the aggravation of obesity and a vicious circle. Hyperandrogenism, IR, the reduced secretion of cholecystokinin postprandially, and leptin resistance defined by leptin receptors' knockout in the hypothalamus have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypothalamic dysfunction and appetite dysregulation. Diet modifications, exercise, and psychological and medical interventions have been applied to alleviate food disorders, interrupting the vicious circle. Cognitive-behavioral intervention seems to be the mainstay of treatment, while the role of medical agents, such as GLP-1 analogs and naltrexone/bupropion, has emerged.

Lung NETs and GEPNETs: One Cancer with Different Origins or Two Distinct Cancers?

Lung neuroendocrine tumors (LNETs) and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are two distinct types of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that have traditionally been treated as a single entity despite originating from different sources. Although they share certain phenotypic characteristics and the expression of neuroendocrine markers, they exhibit differences in their microenvironment, molecular mutations, and responses to various therapeutic regimens. Recent research has explored the genetic alterations in these tumors, revealing dissimilarities in the frequently mutated genes, the role of EGFR in carcinogenesis, the presence of transcription factors, and the immunogenicity of the tumor and its microenvironment. Spread Through Air Spaces (STAS), a phenomenon unique to lung carcinomas, appears to play a crucial role in LNET prognosis. These distinctions are also evident in the cascade response of lung and GI tract neuroendocrine tumors to somatostatin analogs, Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT), chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Identifying similarities and differences between the two groups may improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and facilitate the development of more effective treatment strategies.

The Role of the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load in the Dietary Approach of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder that often develops during pregnancy, characterized by glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (IR). To ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, the body undergoes multiple metabolic and immunological changes that result in peripheral IR and, under certain hereditary or acquired abnormalities, GDM in predisposed women. The adverse short- and long-term effects of GDM impact both the mother and the fetus. Nutrition seems to play an important role to prevent GDM or improve its evolution. An emphasis has been given to the proportion of carbohydrates (CHO) relative to protein and lipids, as well as dietary patterns, in GDM. The effects of CHO on postprandial glucose concentrations are reflected in the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). Diets rich in GI and GL may induce or exacerbate IR, whereas diets low in GI and GL appear to enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glycemic control. These positive outcomes may be attributed to direct interactions with insulin and glucose homeostasis or indirect effects through improved body composition and weight management. This comprehensive narrative review aims to explore the significance of nutrition, with a focus on the critical evaluation of GI and GL in the dietary management of women with GDM.

The influence of environmental factors on premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging.

Premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging are complex conditions that affect women's reproductive health and overall well-being. They are both characterized by hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility, and together affect about 1 in 100 women by the age of 40. This review explores the influence of environmental factors on the development and progression of premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging. When referring to environmental factors, we include a wide range of external agents and conditions, including chemicals, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices. Through a review of the literature, we attempt to highlight the link between environmental factors and ovarian health. We examine the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, on ovarian function and investigate the mechanisms by which these chemicals can disrupt hormone signaling pathways, leading to alterations in ovarian reserve, oocyte quality, and folliculogenesis. Moreover, we explore lifestyle factors like obesity, stress, smoking and alcohol in relation to their effects on ovarian aging. Epigenetic changes may play a crucial role in the prevalence of premature ovarian insufficiency. Understanding the impact of environmental factors on premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging is very important in public and clinical health contexts. By identifying risk factors, healthcare providers can develop targeted and strategic prevention and intervention plans. Furthermore, this knowledge can promote reproductive health and minimize exposure to harmful environmental agents.

Endocrinopathies in beta thalassemia: a narrative review.

Beta thalassemia is the most common genetic blood disorder, characterized by reduced production or complete absence of beta-globin chains. The combination of systematic red blood cell transfusion and iron chelation therapy is the most readily available supportive treatment and one that has considerably prolonged the survival of thalassemia patients. Despite this, the development of endocrine abnormalities correlated with beta thalassemia still exists and is mostly associated with iron overload, chronic anemia, and hypoxia. A multifactorial approach has been employed to investigate other factors involved in the pathogenesis of endocrinopathies, including genotype, liver disease, HCV, splenectomy, socioeconomic factors, chelation therapy, and deficiency of elements. The development of specific biomarkers for predicting endocrinopathy risk has been the subject of extensive discussion. The objective of the present narrative review is to present recent data on endocrinopathies in beta thalassemia patients, including the prevalence, the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, the risk factors, the diagnostic methods applied, and finally the recommended treatment options.

Changes in Cardiovascular and Renal Biomarkers Associated with SGLT2 Inhibitors Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem worldwide with a steadily increasing prevalence reaching epidemic proportions. The major concern is the increased morbidity and mortality due to diabetic complications. Traditional but also nontraditional risk factors have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Hyperglycemia has been considered an important risk factor, and the strict glycemic control can have a positive impact on microangiopathy but not macroangiopathy and its related morbidity and mortality. Thus, the therapeutic algorithm has shifted focus from a glucose-centered approach to a strategy that now emphasizes target-organ protection. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors is an extremely important class of antidiabetic medications that, in addition to their glucose lowering effect, also exhibit cardio- and renoprotective effects. Various established and novel biomarkers have been described, reflecting kidney and cardiovascular function. In this review, we investigated the changes in established but also novel biomarkers of kidney, heart and vascular function associated with sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dietary Approach of Patients with Hormone-Related Cancer Based on the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Estimates.

Hormone-related cancers, namely breast, endometrial, cervical, prostate, testicular, and thyroid, constitute a specific group of cancers dependent on hormone levels that play an essential role in cancer growth. In addition to the traditional risk factors, diet seems to be an important environmental factor that partially explains the steadily increased prevalence of this group of cancer. The composition of food, the dietary patterns, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and the way of food processing and preparation related to dietary advanced glycation end-product formation are all related to cancer. However, it remains unclear which specific dietary components mediate this relationship. Carbohydrates seem to be a risk factor for cancer in general and hormone-related cancers, in particular, with a difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Glycemic index and glycemic load estimates reflect the effect of dietary carbohydrates on postprandial glucose concentrations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the dietary glycemic index and glycemic load estimates with the natural course of cancer and, more specifically, hormone-related cancers. High glycemic index and glycemic load diets are associated with cancer development and worse prognosis, partially explained by the adverse effects on insulin metabolism, causing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, and also by inflammation and oxidative stress induction. Herein, we review the existing data on the effect of diets focusing on the glycemic index and glycemic load estimates on hormone-related cancers.

Secondary diabetes mellitus in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

Secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) in secretory pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is encountered in up to 50% of cases, with its presentation ranging from mild, insulin resistant forms to profound insulin deficiency states, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. PPGLs represent hypermetabolic states, in which adrenaline and noradrenaline induce insulin resistance in target tissues characterized by aerobic glycolysis, excessive lipolysis, altered adipokine expression, subclinical inflammation, as well as enhanced gluconeogenesis and glucogenolysis. These effects are mediated both directly, upon adrenergic receptor stimulation, and indirectly, via increased glucagon secretion. Impaired insulin secretion is the principal pathogenetic mechanism of secondary DM in this setting; yet, this is relevant for tumors with adrenergic phenotype, arising from direct inhibitory actions in beta pancreatic cells and incretin effect impairment. In contrast, insulin secretion might be enhanced in tumors with noradrenergic phenotype. This dimorphic effect might correspond to two distinct glycemic phenotypes, with predominant insulin resistance and insulin deficiency respectively. Secondary DM improves substantially post-surgery, with up to 80% remission rate. The fact that surgical treatment of PPGLs restores insulin sensitivity and secretion at greater extent compared to alpha and beta blockade, implies the existence of further, non-adrenergic mechanisms, possibly involving other hormonal co-secretion by these tumors. DM management in PPGLs is scarcely studied. The efficacy and safety of newer anti-diabetic medications, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), as well as potential disease-modifying roles of metformin and SGLT2is warrant further investigation in future studies.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Estimates in the Dietary Approach of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hormonal imbalances and various metabolic abnormalities linked to insulin resistance via a vicious cycle. Genetic and environmental factors underlie its pathogenesis and evolution. Nutrition, in terms of nutrient composition, dietary patterns, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and food processing and preparation, has gained significant attention in the pathogenesis and the therapeutic approach of polycystic ovary syndrome. Carbohydrate intake seems to be a critical point in the diet assignment. Glycemic index and glycemic load constitute indexes of the impacts of dietary carbohydrates on postprandial glucose levels. Numerous studies have indicated that a high glycemic index and glycemic load diet may exacerbate insulin resistance, a key feature of the syndrome, and offer a risk for its development and its complications. Conversely, low-glycemic index and low-glycemic load diets seem to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate menstrual cycles, and mitigate the risk of comorbidities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, such as obesity, alterations in body composition, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and quality of life. This comprehensive review aims to explore the relevance of nutrition and more specifically, the association of glycemic index and glycemic load with the various aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as to assess the potential benefits of manipulating those indexes in the dietary approach for the syndrome.

Primary Adrenal Lymphomas with Cushing's Syndrome: Two Cases with Evidence of Endogeneous Cortisol Production by the Neoplastic Lymphoid Cells.

Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a rare entity that presents as unilateral or bilateral rapidly growing adrenal masses, with signs and symptoms most commonly related to adrenal insufficiency due to the mass effect on the surrounding tissues. Although steroeidogenesis has not been previously described in PAL, we herein report two cases of PAL presenting as adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) that demonstrated autonomous cortisol production. A 52-year-old woman presented with lumbar pain; a computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a left AI measuring 8.5 × 15 × 10 cm. Similarly, an 80-year-old woman presented with lumbar pain, demonstrating in a CT scan a bilateral AI (right: 9 × 6.5 cm, left: 3.6 × 3.2 cm). Both cases underwent a full hormonal evaluation according to the algorithm for the investigation of AIs, demonstrating increased 24-h cortisol excretion, suppressed fasting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and non-suppressed serum cortisol levels in both the overnight and the low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests, indicating autonomous cortisol secretion and Cushing's syndrome. In a relatively short time, both patients developed night sweats, and their clinical picture deteriorated, while the CT scans showed increased dimensions of the masses with radiological characteristics compatible to lymphoma. Both patients underwent ultrasound-guided biopsies (FNBs), revealing infiltration of the left adrenal by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the first case, whereas bilateral adrenal infiltration from the same histological type was noted in the second case. Subsequently, they were treated with immunochemotherapy, but the second patient died from an infection shortly after the initiation of the treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAL presenting with Cushing's syndrome due to autonomous cortisol production, indicating that neoplastic lymphoid cells in PAL might acquire the potential for steroidogenesis; therefore, more cases of PAL should be analyzed so as to further elucidate the complex pathogenesis and the natural course of this entity.

Is There a Correlation between Apelin and Insulin Concentrations in Early Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid with Fetal Growth Disorders?

INTRODUCTION: Fetal growth disturbances place fetuses at increased risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality. As yet, little is known about the basic pathogenetic mechanisms underlying deranged fetal growth. Apelin is an adipokine with several biological activities. Over the past decade, it has been investigated for its possible role in fetal growth restriction. Most studies have examined apelin concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid in the third trimester or during neonatal life. In this study, apelin concentrations were examined for the first time in early second-trimester fetuses. Another major regulator of tissue growth and metabolism is insulin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study. We measured apelin and insulin concentrations in the amniotic fluid of 80 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis in the early second trimester. Amniotic fluid samples were stored in appropriate conditions until delivery. The study groups were then defined, i.e., gestations with different fetal growth patterns (SGA, AGA, and LGA). Measurements were made using ELISA kits. RESULTS: Apelin and insulin levels were measured in all 80 samples. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in apelin concentrations among groups (p = 0.007). Apelin concentrations in large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses were significantly lower compared to those in AGA and SGA fetuses. Insulin concentrations did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS: A clear trend towards decreasing apelin concentrations as birthweight progressively increased was identified. Amniotic fluid apelin concentrations in the early second trimester may be useful as a predictive factor for determining the risk of a fetus being born LGA. Future studies are expected/needed to corroborate the present findings and should ideally focus on the potential interplay of apelin with other known intrauterine metabolic factors.

A modern web-based health promotion program for patients in Greece with diabetes 2 and obesity: an interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Health promotion programs are most beneficial in chronic diseases such as diabetes and morbid obesity, which can be positively affected by changes in attitudes, beliefs, and lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop an internet-based modern Health Promotion model using interactive online applications through continuing education and participation. METHODS: The goal was to positively impact knowledge, behavior, and quality of life for patients with obesity and/or diabetes. This is a prospective interventional study on patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Seventeen two patients who met the inclusion criteria were distributed randomly into two groups (control and intervention) from 2019 to 2021 in Greece. All the participants were given questionaries concerning quality of life anxiety and depression (HADS) attitudes and beliefs, knowledge about their condition and general questions to establish a baseline. A traditional health promotion model was followed for the control group. For participants in the intervention group, a web-based health promotion program was created according to the goals of the research. Participants were instructed to log on 1-2 times a week for 5-15 min, with the understanding that the research team would be monitoring their activities. The website included two knowledge games and personalized educational material based on their needs. RESULTS: The sample comprised 72 patients (36 in control and 36 in the intervention groups). The mean age was 47.8 years for the control group and 42.7 years for the intervention group (p = 0.293). Both study groups had a significant increase in knowledge score on diabetes (Control group:3,24, Intervention group 11,88 p < 0,001) and obesity (Control group:4,9, Intervention group 51,63 p < 0,001) along with a positive attitude score towards fighting obesity (Control group: 1,8, Intervention group 13,6 p < 0,001). Still, the overall change was more remarkable for the intervention group, as indicated by the significant interaction effect of the analysis. Anxiety was decreased only in the intervention group (Control group:0,11, Intervention group - 0,17 p < 0,005). Analysis for QOL during follow-up showed that Physical Health and Level of Independence was improved in both study groups but the degree of improvement was more significant in the intervention group (Control group 0,31,Intervention group 0,73 p < 0,001). Psychological Health was improved only in the intervention group, with better scores at 6 and 12 months compared to controls (Control group 0,28,Intervention group 1,42 p < 0,001). Furthermore, Social relationships were improved only in the intervention group (Control group 0,02, Intervention group 0,56 p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that the participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs after using the internet as a learning tool. The intervention group also showed significantly reduced anxiety and depression arising from chronic illness. All of this resulted in an improved quality of life regarding physical Health, mental Health, and social relationships. Technology and online-based health promotion programs can revolutionize how we approach the prevention and management of chronic and terminal illnesses by improving accessibility, personalizing care, increasing engagement and motivation, improving data analysis, and disease management.

Secondary diabetes mellitus in acromegaly.

Secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common complication of acromegaly, encountered in up to 55% of cases. Vice versa, the prevalence of acromegaly is markedly higher in cohorts of patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). The presence of secondary DM depends primarily on acromegaly status and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, malignancy rate and overall mortality. The principal pathophysiologic mechanism is increased insulin resistance due to excessive lipolysis and altered fat distribution, reflected at the presence of intermuscular fat and attenuated, dysfunctional adipose tissue. Insulin resistance is ascribed to the direct, diabetogenic effects of growth hormone (GH), which prevail over the insulin-sensitizing effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), probably due to higher glucometabolic potency of GH, IGF-1 resistance, or both. Inversely, GH and IGF-1 act synergistically in increasing insulin secretion. Hyperinsulinemia in portal vein leads to enhanced responsiveness of liver GH receptors and IGF-1 production, pointing towards a mutually amplifying loop between GH-IGF-1 axis and insulin. Secondary DM occurs upon beta cell exhaustion, principally due to gluco-lipo-toxicity. Somatostatin analogues inhibit insulin secretion; especially pasireotide (PASI) impairs glycaemic profile in up to 75% of cases, establishing a separate pathophysiologic entity, PASI-induced DM. In contrast, pegvisomant and dopamine agonizts improve insulin sensitivity. In turn, metformin, pioglitazone and sodium-glucose transporters 2 inhibitors might be disease-modifying by counteracting hyperinsulinemia or acting pleiotropically. Large, prospective cohort studies are needed to validate the above notions and define optimal DM management in acromegaly.

Experimental Animal Studies Support the Role of Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products in Health and Disease.

The increased incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, aging, and associated comorbidities indicates the interplay between genetic and environmental influences. Several dietary components have been identified to play a role in the pathogenesis of the so-called "modern diseases", and their complications including advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are generated during the food preparation and processing. Diet-derived advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal system and contribute to the total body AGEs' homeostasis, partially excreted in the urine, while a significant amount accumulates to various tissues. Various in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies support that dAGEs play an important role in health and disease, in a similar way to those endogenously formed. Animal studies using wild type, as well as experimental, animal models have shown that dAGEs contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of various diseases and their complications, and are involved in the changes related to the aging process. In addition, they support that dAGEs' restriction reduces insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation; restores immune alterations; and prevents or delays the progression of aging, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and their complications. These data can be extrapolated in humans and strongly support that dAGEs' restriction should be considered as an alternative therapeutic intervention.

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on endothelial function, arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation in women with Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affects endothelial function, arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation in women with TS. METHODS: Twenty-five women with TS were studied in the estrogen phase of the HRT and two months after discontinuation of HRT. The following measurements were made: flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, pulse wave velocity (PWV-Complior) and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), aortic (Ao) elastic indexes - namely Ao strain, distensibility, stiffness index and pressure strain modulus (Ep) - and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Ten healthy female of similar age and BMI served as a control group. RESULTS: Compared to controls, women with TS on HRT had higher PWV (9.1 ±â€Š2.4 vs. 7.5 ±â€Š0.5 m/s), cSBP (130 ±â€Š15 vs. 121 ±â€Š6 mmHg), cIMT (0.66 ±â€Š0.06 vs. 0.55 ±â€Š0.05 mm), aortic stiffness index, Ep and LA strain, and lower FMD (7.2 ±â€Š4 vs. 10.5 ±â€Š2.3%), Ao strain, Ao distensibility and GLS (-18.8 ±â€Š2.7 vs. -21.9 ±â€Š1.5%) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Two months after discontinuation of HRT, all women increased FMD (11.7 ±â€Š6 vs. 7.2 ±â€Š4%) and reduced PWV (7.8 ±â€Š1.7 vs. 9.1 ±â€Š2.4 m/s) and cSBP (123 ±â€Š14 vs. 130 ±â€Š15 mmHg). There were no statistically significant changes in BMI, cIMT and GLS (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). The percentage decrease of cSBP was associated with the percentage decrease of PWV (r = 0.54) and reversely related with the percentage increase of FMD (r = -0.57; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: HRT in women with TS may deteriorate endothelial function contributing to increased arterial stiffness and central arterial blood pressure.

Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrinological disorder with serious outcomes for both women and neonates. The aim of our study was to present the current evidence concerning the perioperative outcomes of pregnant women with PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy during pregnancy. METHODS: A meticulous systematic review of the literature published before February 2020 and all studies which presented perioperative and pregnancy outcomes off pregnant women who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT, were included. RESULTS: A total of 53 were finally included, which reported 92 pregnant women who had parathyroidectomy during their pregnancy. A total of 46 patients were hospitalized due to significant complications of PHPT before their parathyroidectomy. With regards to surgical approach, 52.2% of patients underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), while bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was 41.3% of cases. Only 4 women was not cured, whereas transient hypocalcemia was occurred in 18 patients. All cases proceeded to deliveries of healthy neonates, after their parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment option with minimum complications and probably should be considered as the treatment of choice in specific group of pregnant women with PHPT.

Tailoring treatment for PCOS phenotypes.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in reproductive-aged women. Hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation, and metabolic aberrations are its common features. The treatment approach focuses on the main aberrations, which characterize the different phenotypes. Areas covered: Management strategies targeting the metabolic phenotype include lifestyle modifications for weight loss and improvement of dietary habits, as well as medication, such as insulin-sensitizers. The treatment of hyperandrogenic phenotype includes cosmetic procedures and the combined oral contraceptives with or without antiandrogens. The therapeutic approach to reproductive phenotype includes diet and lifestyle modifications, clomiphene citrate, and aromatase inhibitors. Alternative treatments include dietary supplements, herbs, resveratrol, myo-inositol, and acupuncture. Expert opinion: New studies have shown that higher anti-Müllerian hormone levels, gut microbiome composition, and plasma metabolomics are new parameters that are related to the most severe phenotypes. The clinical phenotypes can change over the lifespan with weight gain and can coexist in the same individual. Individualized treatment remains the main approach but grouping the phenotypes and following therapeutic recommendations may prove to be also clinically appropriate.